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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Nick Kotik |
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September 2009
The time has come again for students of all ages to head back into the classroom and crack open the books.
But you may be one of the young adults for which a different time has come. Recent graduates have a diploma and the feeling of independence that can come with it. But some of you may be uncertain as to whether to head into the workforce or continue your education. Regardless of the situation, a serious question that can be missed is: what happens to your health insurance?
The price of independence can be very costly, because after graduating college, access to a parents' health insurance coverage -- something that thousands depend on -- can be gone. It's always a good idea to have health insurance in place so that in the event something happens, medical care won't cost nearly as much as going without it.
Some graduates may be without health insurance because they can't find a job in this difficult job market. Even those who have found jobs still may not have access to health insurance because the employer simply can't afford to offer it.
The good news is there are ways to help and programs that offer several options. Knowledge is power, and I want you to have as much knowledge as possible about your health insurance options.
The state recently enacted a law that requires major insurance companies to provide health insurance coverage for dependent, uninsured adult children. Young adults can be covered through the age of 29 if they are not married, are a Pennsylvania resident or a full-time student, and have no other health insurance. Parents must pay the premiums and the coverage depends on the employers' willingness to offer the benefit to parents. The law covers new insurance contracts and renewals after December 2009.
Another option is signing up for an individual policy. You can do this by contacting one of the many insurance companies doing business in Pennsylvania. As a general rule, young adults are one of the healthiest groups of people, so premiums normally are cheaper. An arsenal of insurance companies to choose from is housed on the state's Insurance Department Web site: www.insurance.state.pa.us.
Find out if a limitation exists in the policy for pre-existing conditions, or conditions that surfaced before the policy's purchase and for which there may not be coverage.
Asking questions is one way to obtain knowledge; you can always call an insurance agent and see what's available for you. He or she can explain about deductibles and copayments and provide an overview of available benefits. But be sure to ask these crucial questions: Is it major medical coverage only? Will the policy pay for all doctor visits even if I have to see a specialist? Does it cover dental work or vision benefits? What do I have to pay every month?
And, my door is always open to your questions. Please contact me. You may stop by or call my Coraopolis office at 412-264-4260, or my Carnegie office at 412-429-5091, to talk to me or someone on my staff.